The world reacts: Lionel Messi intends to join Inter Miami and MLS

MLSsoccer staff

World Cup champion and possible Greatest Of All Time soccer player Lionel Messi sent shockwaves through the news cycle Wednesday by announcing his intention to join Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer this summer.

The four-time UEFA Champions League winner and seven-time Ballon d'Or recipient becomes a free agent at the end of June after playing two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain and, before that, 17 seasons with FC Barcelona.

The world reacts:

This should be fun. pic.twitter.com/F1VZIsUJXu
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) June 7, 2023

pic.twitter.com/pgu2mE7zlY
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 7, 2023

Inter Miami have increased their following by 5x on Instagram since the Lionel Messi news broke 😳

The Messi effect is real 📈 pic.twitter.com/deoqhR3hC1
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 8, 2023

David Beckham was a watershed moment for MLS, But Messi blows Beckham out of the water. #InterMiamiCF #FutbolAmericas #Messi𓃵 https://t.co/A1xhz2diyI pic.twitter.com/IEg6ixzcgm
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) June 7, 2023

New York Times goes with a full spread of Leo Messi to Inter Miami and Major League Soccer.

Incredible to see considering NBA Finals and Stanley Cup are happening right now 🗞️

👏 @AndrewDasNYT @RorySmith pic.twitter.com/7i2Vm25bdL
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) June 8, 2023

Welcome, Messi. Let’s get it @mls @PhilaUnion
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 7, 2023

Welcome to the MLS Messi!! See you at Nashville🔥🚀
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 7, 2023

Inter Miami CF has gained 4.2 million Instagram followers in the last 24 hours — and now has more followers than any NFL, MLB, NHL, or MLS team.

That's crazy 😳 pic.twitter.com/Z91ShyIy8O
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 8, 2023

YESSSIR!! Gonna for sureeee watch Messi play now😎⚽️
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 7, 2023

Rog and @GayleKing chopping it up about Lionel Messi’s move to MLS on @CBSMornings. ❤️🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/2FWJ6DlgeQ
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 8, 2023